Little America: a classic Wyoming travel center

If you find yourself driving on I-80 through Wyoming, you'll need a pit stop, and trust us, they're hard to come by. Your oasis: Little America, the somewhat odd rest stop complex with an even odder name. Located at exit 68 of I-80, Little America is the only show in miles, and it delivers: families can find a shaded playground, a few picnic tables, a large mini-market, a quick service dining … [Read more...]

Educational Travel for kids: Orlando beyond the theme parks

When most families think of Orlando, two words come to mind: theme parks. We understand; after all, we offer Disney World tips for families and reviews of Disney attractions. However, families looking for educational travel ideas,  whether as pit stops en route elsewhere on Florida vacations, or during an Orlando vacation, will find much to engage kids' minds. At the following Orlando attractions, … [Read more...]

Vermont farm experience for kids: Retreat Farm

The Retreat Farm in Brattleboro, VT is a great stop for families of all ages. Its 450 acres include hiking trails, a petting farm, and even an artisanal cheese shop (cheddar, of course!). The farm was originally part of the Brattleboro Retreat, a private mental hospital built in the 1840’s. The Retreat Farm provided milk, meat, and vegetables for the hospital and even served as a mental health … [Read more...]

Winter at the Utah Olympic Park with kids

While exploring Park City Utah with kids, families will want to reserve time to visit the Utah Olympic Park. This half-day excursion is only minutes from Park City Utah, and 25 miles from Salt Lake City. The Utah Olympic Park is the site of several winter sports in the 2002 Winter Games, and is still home to several Olympic teams and hopefuls. Most days, visitors can see training in process … [Read more...]

Outdoors with kids in MA: Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary

Looking to get outdoors with kids in MA no matter the season? Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary is an accessible, kid-friendly sanctuary in Easthampton, Massachusetts. Arcadia has all sorts of things to keep the family busy, including a network of easy trails, a wetland boardwalk, and an observation tower. Near the parking lot and visitor center, there is a nature play area, complete with a tepee and … [Read more...]

U pick apple farms: Historic Sponsel’s Minnesota Harvest

Families visiting or living in the Twin Cities can get their autumn apple fix at Minnesota Harvest, one of the biggest u pick apple farms in the midwest. With more than 50 varieties of apples grown on the farm, families can certainly find their favorite, and enjoy a long growing season well into late autumn. If you want to make a day of it, add a horseback ride through Minnesota Harvest's … [Read more...]

Educational Travel: Is Temple Square Salt Lake City for everyone?

On a recent drive through Salt Lake City, we decided to stop (for the first time) at the city's famed Temple Square, and it made me wonder: is Temple Square Salt Lake City for everyone? I'll start with a disclaimer: we're not of the LDS faith. Because of this, the site does not hold any symbolic or sentimental meaning to us, other than as a significant player in Utah's rich history. We visited for … [Read more...]

Seattle’s Pike Place Market with kids

Any itinerary for Seattle Washington should include a family visit to Pike Place Market. Particularly bustling on weekends, the market is great to visit almost any day of the year, and is open all day, making it perfect to fit into anyone's travel plans. The market is best experienced during the morning, when produce stands (and vendors) are at their freshest. Right after 10 am is great, … [Read more...]

Seattle’s Museum of Flight with kids of all ages

For most visitors, Seattle WA is synonymous with Boeing and aero-engineering. For airplane and space lovers, there's no better stop than at the Museum of Flight. A huge, multi-building complex, the Museum of Flight can feel intimidating at first, especially if you have small children. For true fans, a full day is needed, but the highlights can be hit in a few hours if needed. On our last visit, we … [Read more...]

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Families looking for things to do in Monterey, CA or en route along Highway 1 to Big Sur should definitely stop at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. Located just a few miles outside Monterey on Highway 1, Point Lobos offers great hiking with kids in Monterey, with miles of hiking trails, scenic vistas, hisorical sites, and picnic grounds in some of the most beautiful acreage I've ever seen. We … [Read more...]